Airport seeks to share program goals and ensure equal opportunity in contract awards.
The City of Killeen Department of Aviation will host two open houses July 1 at Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport for prospective Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and other companies interested in doing business with the airport. Those interested in airport concessions will meet at 9 a.m. Those interested in capital development projects will meet at 11 a.m.
The open houses will share proposed program goals with interested stakeholders and solicit community feedback from businesses with DBE and non-DBE certification. Information about how an interested business can apply for DBE certification to conduct business with the airport will be part of the meeting agendas.
The Federal Aviation Administration Office of Civil Rights requires the DBE program as established by federal regulations 49 CFR Part 23 and 26. Every three years, the U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that the airport submit a new set of goals and methodology after public input meetings with local business stakeholders. The scheduled open houses are for fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“We’ve always had this program at the airport,” said Executive Director of Aviation Mike Wilson. “This time, we’re making a strong community awareness push about the opportunities on the capital development and concessionaire sides of our business.”
Federal regulations require airport participation as part of grant assurances for funds received to help offset airport improvements. According to its Capital Improvement Plan (2021-2026), Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport has over $21.2 million in estimated total project costs underway including replacement of the terminal capital equipment system, rehabilitation of taxiway B, taxiway E relocation design and construction, security system replacement and construction of a corporate aviation hangar.
“This is our chance to open up the house to the regional business community and let them know what we have planned so as many local companies as possible have a chance to know about our planned projects,” said Wilson. “Our goal is diversity.”
Wilson says staff continues to engage regional chambers of commerce and community organizations to educate about these prospects and to provide an equal playing field for diverse businesses while ensuring nondiscrimination in the solicitation, awarding and administration of aviation-related contracts.
Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport is served daily by two commercial airlines. American Airlines connects to its Dallas Fort Worth hub, and United Airlines connects to its Houston hub. Passengers can start their travel in Killeen and reach destinations throughout the world. Learn more at www.flykilleen.net.
